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Manchester United have been splashing some serious cash for last five seasons now. Their spending can however not be questioned much because they had a mammoth task of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson's aging stars in their hands.
Over the course of these five years, three different managers have warmed up the hot-seat at the Theater of Dreams. Several players have joined and left the club in this period.
However, a few of them have become a mainstay at the club. Jose Mourinho would be spending a load of cash this summer to get all the fire-power he needs to challenge Pep Guardiola ahead of a vital 2018/19 season.
That said, here is a look at the best signings made by Manchester United in the Post-Fergie era so far.
Stats via statbunker.com
#1 Nemanja Matic
The fact that Manchester United paid £40 million for a 29-year-old, Nemanja Matic underlines the importance of the player.
United currently boast the best defensive record in the league and Matic has been a key to the same.
The Red Devils needed a replacement for Michael Carrick instantly in 2017 and Matic took the job and has not let his boss down.
Also read: 5 things you didn't know about Sir Alex Ferguson
The Serbian's physicality and composure on the ball make him a vital player in the team. He is United's first name on the team sheet at the moment.
Matic in his first season with Red Devils has been a consistent performer. He has already made 48 appearances for the club this season, proving his worth as a fit and available man.
His brilliant hold-up of the ball adds to his importance in Jose Mourinho's team. In Matic, United have a player they can depend on heavily.
#2 Eric Bailly
Eric Bailly arrived at Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho's first signing as the United boss in 2016. From his first appearance in the league, he has shaped up to be the player the club had been craving for in defence.
He cost the Red Devils's £30 million but was an investment one shouldn't have regretted.
The Ivorian is known for his strength, pace, tackling and bravery in front of the forwards. Bailly is exceptional when it comes to throwing himself to challenges and making interceptions.
The 23-year-old has often been hailed to be the successor of Nemanja Vidic at the club and has justified his credentials so far. He has made only 16 appearances in all competitions this season.
Injuries have hindered his consistency and progress which could see him as one of the best defenders not only in England but in Europe.
#3 Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku arrived at United in a £75 million deal from Everton which saw Wayne Rooney return to the Merseyside as a makeweight in the deal. The onus was him to fill in the shoes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the club.
He netted seven in his first seven appearances of the season. It appeared as if the Red Devils finally have their dream No. 9.
However, the tables turned dramatically for the Belgian at the club where he experienced a goal drought, netting one goal in 11 appearances at one point in time.
The striker fought his way back to form and stands at 27 goals for the season in all competitions, so far.
The Big Belgian is improving his game every single day. His influence in the final third is priceless for Jose and his absence has left United with problems.
Only if he had a consistent service in the box, his goal tally wouldn't have been anything less than 35 for the season.
2018/19 would be massive for him as the team would be looking forward to his goals in hunt of some silverware.
#4 Juan Mata
The 30-year-old is a typical Spanish midfielder who needs to be summoned when the team is struggling to find that cutting-edge in the attacking midfield.
Mata is a delight to watch when he is in mood and more than that, he is an absolute gem of a human being. He has scored 32 goals in 132 appearances for the Red Devils providing 50 assists.
He joined Manchester United in the January transfer window of 2013/14 season from Chelsea in search of more game-time. This was the only positive brought by David Moyes to the then English Champions.
United paid close to £37 million for securing his services and the player didn't disappoint his employers.
He put the Old Trafford crowd on the edge of their seats in the closing match-days of the season and appeared to be a decent buy.
When Jose Mourinho took in charge of the club in 2016, he was tipped to leave the club as his chances of playing for his ex-boss was pretty slim. However, he became a reliable option for the manager with his fighting spirit.
Mata has been crucial this season too. He has scored three and created six for his team in 38 appearances so far.
#5 Ander Herrera
The Spaniard was a long-term target for the club before joining the Red Devils in 2014. He has been a priceless asset in the engine-room for United. He has been deployed in various roles in the midfield.
The midfielder was in sublime form in Jose's first season in charge at United. He won the club's Player of the Year award in 2016.
He was expected to feature regularly in a three-man midfield for United after Matic's arrival. However, the 28-year-old lost his place in the starting XI.
Herrera was a subject of interest from FC Barcelona in 2017 but the Spaniard decided to commit to his current club.
He is yet to agree on a new deal at the club, as United have triggered an extension of one year in his existing contract.
However, his worth has steadily been increasing at the club as he has delivered whenever called upon. He has made 36 appearances in all competitions this season despite being on the bench for a majority of the time.
